11.   But Dan Inveen, with the local Bureau of Economic Statistics, said because the territory has three islands, the government must provide duplicate services.

12.   But Schneider said the territory must have the ability to protect property near a burning ship.

13.   However, Stoutt cautioned that since aid from the British government is expected to be cut, the territory would have to fund capital projects from its own coffers.

14.   In July, the Northern Territory Supreme Court rejected a claim that the territory does not have the authority to make life-and-death decisions.

15.   In return, the territories would have to bring their laws in line with international agreements London has signed.

16.   It is unclear whether the territory has to give the money back.

17.   Since then the half-island territory has endured human rights abuses while a guerrilla war rages between Indonesian forces and separatist rebels.

18.   The half-island territory would have its own independent judiciary and police force.

19.   The sun-baked, desolate territory has its share of kangaroos, crocodiles, huge spiders and lizards, however.

20.   The territory has no gun manufacturers, so all guns in the islands are imported.